A little while later, Fred and George arrived, making the compartment feel quite cramped.
“Why can’t Hogwarts get bigger compartments for the train?” Fred complained.
“I heard the prefects’ compartment is bigger and more comfortable,” George added with a grin. “Unfortunately, none of us are prefects.”
“Speaking of prefects, Percy will be a Head Boy next year, won’t he?” Kyle noted.
Fred pulled a face as though Kyle had just announced that Quidditch was canceled for next season.
“As much as I hate to admit it, that’s probably true,” George sighed. “And I bet he’ll be wearing that prefect badge the entire holiday.”
With that, he stuck a Chocolate Frog card to his chest, puffed out his chest, and strutted down the corridor outside the compartment, mimicking Percy’s mannerisms. His exaggerated expressions and pompous walk had everyone laughing.
The Weasley twins always knew how to lighten the mood. After a few rounds of Exploding Chewing Gum, Cho brought up the Ministry notice again, wondering if they really couldn’t use any magic over the holidays.
“Well, technically you can,” Fred replied, “as long as there’s an adult wizard nearby. That way, the Ministry can’t tell who actually cast the spell.”
Cho frowned. “Forget it, then.”
As the train passed through more towns, Kyle and his friends took off their wizard robes, swapping them for jackets and short-sleeved shirts. Finally, the Hogwarts Express pulled into King’s Cross Station, Platform 9¾. A shriveled old guard stood at the partition to manage the flow, allowing only two or three people through at a time to avoid drawing attention from Muggles. Thankfully, with fewer students aboard this time, Kyle and his friends soon crossed the barrier after saying goodbye to Kanna, who would be catching the Knight Bus home.
The group made their way toward the station exit. Cho’s father was there waiting for her—a kind-looking Eastern man who greeted everyone warmly and invited them to visit over the summer. Kyle, however, caught a trace of apprehension in his gaze, especially when directed toward him and Cedric.
“Kyle, run!” a familiar voice called out. Ginny Weasley, the youngest Weasley, dashed over, her expression urgent. “Did you get into trouble at school? Mum was furious on the way here. You’d better run while you can!”
“Thanks for the heads up, Ginny,” Kyle replied, ruffling her hair with a smile. “But I’m afraid it’s too late now.”
As Ginny had warned, Mrs. Weasley approached in a fury.
“Good luck, mate,” Ginny whispered as she stepped aside.
“We’ll remember you fondly,” Fred and George chimed in with mock solemnity, their grins betraying their delight at the unfolding scene.
“You actually went into the Forbidden Forest—with a dark wizard, no less!” Mrs. Weasley said, her voice sharp with anger. “Do you have any idea how dangerous that was?”
Behind her, Diana stood with a stern expression.
Kyle didn’t hesitate, nodding and saying, “You’re right; I was wrong. I promise I won’t do it again.” As he spoke, he swiftly pulled out his report card.
“No matter what you pull out, this time you won’t—” Mrs. Weasley’s words trailed off as she glanced at his grades.
Full marks… full marks… nearly every subject was full marks, with only a single deduction in one. It was a report card to rival Bill’s in his best years.
“Oh, Merlin…” Mrs. Weasley murmured, wiping her hands on her skirt as she accepted the report card with great care. “Kyle, you’re destined to be Head Boy one day!” she said proudly, her relief evident.
She turned to Fred and George. “And where are your report cards? Let’s have a look.”
The twins’ faces froze in forced smiles, clearly wishing they could say they’d “lost” them. They knew better, though; Mrs. Weasley would simply write to Hogwarts if they didn’t hand them over. But if they presented them now, they might not make it out of King’s Cross in one piece.
Seeing their hesitation, Mrs. Weasley’s gaze turned steely.
“Our report cards are in the suitcase, Mum,” Fred blurted. “It’s not convenient here. We’ll show you at home.”
“Yeah, plus there are newspapers in there too. What if a Muggle accidentally sees?” George added quickly.
Mrs. Weasley looked around at the Muggle crowd and, after a moment’s thought, nodded. “Alright, then. We’ll head home.”
At that point, Kyle walked over to Diana. Though her expression was stern, she didn’t scold him outright. Instead, she glanced at his hand.
“How many times have you used it?” she asked, indicating the ring on his finger.
Kyle knew she was asking about his Apparition ring, so he held up one finger. “Only once.”
Originally adorned with a crescent moon design, the ring now showed one missing piece. Diana’s face softened. If it had only been used once, it meant the situation hadn’t been too dire.
Kyle asked tentatively, “Can it be fixed?”
He recalled Diana mentioning in a letter that he could use the ring for direct travel if he didn’t feel like taking the train. If it could be used as a regular means of transport, then it must be repairable.
Just as he’d hoped, Diana nodded. “Yes, but it’s a bit of a hassle and will take about a week.”
Kyle sighed with relief. A week, a month—either was fine. He didn’t need it anytime soon.
Just as when they’d arrived, Mr. Weasley drove them all back to Ottery St. Catchpole Village in the magically extended car. During the drive, Fred and George’s grins had vanished; they looked as if they were heading not home, but straight to the gallows.
Once they returned to The Burrow, Percy proudly presented his report card. Unsurprisingly, he’d earned the top marks in his fourth year. Mrs. Weasley gave him an enthusiastic hug, though her joy was a touch tempered by the memory of Kyle’s near-perfect grades.
Then her gaze shifted to Fred and George…
Kyle crossed his arms, anticipating the scene to come, but before he could watch it unfold, Diana quietly tugged him away. As they made their way home, two distinct, anguished cries rang out, echoing over the rooftops of Ottery St. Catchpole, lingering in the village air for a long while.